An Examination of Heart-Disease Related Prevention Measures for the Elderly in Vermont State Prisons, Focusing on Diet

Conference Year

January 2021

Abstract

This study investigates how correctional nurses, officers, and food service employees perceive efforts made by Vermont prisons to improve the cardiovascular health of elderly prisoners through dietary measures. I analyze the specific measures that are being taken and explore interdepartmental perspectives on the effectiveness of these measures and the specific barriers that these employees face. Through analysis of primary documents and interviews this research contributes to existing literature that emphasizes the vulnerability of the elderly and the prevalence of poor diets as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in prisons, while addressing the lack of research on program effectiveness and nurses’ and interdepartmental perspectives (Arries and Maposa 2013; Carlisle 2006; Heidara et al. 2017; Loeb and Steffensmeir 2012).

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Dr. Jeanne Shea

Faculty/Staff Collaborators

Dr. Jeanne Shea (Thesis Advisor)

Status

Undergraduate

Student College

College of Arts and Sciences

Program/Major

Anthropology

Primary Research Category

Social Sciences

Abstract only.

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An Examination of Heart-Disease Related Prevention Measures for the Elderly in Vermont State Prisons, Focusing on Diet

This study investigates how correctional nurses, officers, and food service employees perceive efforts made by Vermont prisons to improve the cardiovascular health of elderly prisoners through dietary measures. I analyze the specific measures that are being taken and explore interdepartmental perspectives on the effectiveness of these measures and the specific barriers that these employees face. Through analysis of primary documents and interviews this research contributes to existing literature that emphasizes the vulnerability of the elderly and the prevalence of poor diets as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in prisons, while addressing the lack of research on program effectiveness and nurses’ and interdepartmental perspectives (Arries and Maposa 2013; Carlisle 2006; Heidara et al. 2017; Loeb and Steffensmeir 2012).